Looking at the confused Samuel, Yuan Mo explained, “When two people face a conflict, they go to the arena to settle their matter. Whoever wins is right and whoever loses has to admit their wrong.”

“How unfair!” Samuel’s expression sank,

As if amused, Yuan Mo looked the boy in the eye while replying, “Boy, there’s no fairness in this world. All you believe in has to be fought for. If you don’t have enough power, all you can do is eat your anger and sit there without letting out a word. If you have enough power, even if nobody provokes you, you can go cause trouble for them and you’ll still be justified.”

Listening to Yuan Mo, Samuel fell silent. Although he didn’t want to agree, deep down, he understood that was the case. Even though he opened his mouth to say something in rebuttal, everything he wanted to say felt meaningless. Dejection filled his eyes. A feeling of helplessness washed over him.

Looking at Samuel, Yuan Mo smiled. He asked, “Do you hate this world?”

In response, Samuel’s face flushed with hesitation, rendering him incapable of any response.

Looking at the boy before him, Yuan Mo smiled. “Don’t worry. This isn’t something you need to answer right now. Nor to me. Just remember this question and whenever you find the answer, recite it to yourself. Enough of that now. Going back to the topic, going to the arena isn’t convenient. So, make do with the backyard. Don’t give any fatal injuries. As for others, I’ll treat them. Go all out.”

Moments after the words ended, both boys went to the cottage’s backyard. Diego had a smirk on his face as he walked, filled with a desire to do battle. On the other hand, Samuel had a rare serious expression as he thought back to Yuan Mo’s words.

Before long, both boys stood face to face.

Diego stretched his arms as he said, “Pull out your weapon. Let’s not waste anymore time. I have stuff to do after this and you also have your own training to do. I heard your training starts today.”

“You’re right. I’m quite looking forward to it. What about you? Where’s your weapon?” Samuel asked.

Hearing Samuel’s words, Diego puffed out his chest. “I, Diego, am the personal disciple of The Great Sage of Myriad Weapons, Shi Ke Zhu, and the next inheritor of his title and sagely will. All things in existence are my weapons.”

Samuel’s eyes narrowed. “Fine, fine, enough bragging. Don’t brag to the point you can’t take it back.”

The ring on his finger glowed as a pitch black sword materialised in his hand, which he held forwards with both hands, taking his stance.

Diego’s hand reached out for his robe as he pulled out two rings, each placed on the index finger of either of his arms. Stretching his arm upwards, a bow materialised in his left hand, which he spun in his hand while taking his stance. In his other hand, an arrow materialised, which he knocked on the bow using his middle and ring fingers.

Looking at the scene, Samuel clicked his tongue. That actually looks kind of cool. In contrast, the way I did it looks so sloppy. This idiot isn’t bad. I can steal—observe and take notes from his technique to improve my own.

Feeling Samuel’s admiring gaze, an undisguised satisfaction filled Diego’s eyes. Taking a deep breath, he suppressed his emotions.

“Augustus, start the countdown.”

“M-me?”

“Yeah. You. Now, start.”

“Alright. Three…”

Samuel’s grip on his sword tightened.

“Two…”

His eyes focused on the bow in Diego’s hand.

“One…”

Samuel took a deep breath, preparing himself to attack.

“GO!”

Before the shout died down, Samuel pounced towards Diego, swinging his sword.

*Clang!*

Almost immediately, an arrow struck the edge of the sword, producing a ringing sound. The arrow dispersed all the incoming force behind the swing while forcing the sword back. The sudden change in momentum caught Samuel off-guard, throwing him off-balance.

*Clang!* *Clang!* *Clang!* *Thud!*

Before Samuel could recover, three arrows followed suit, accurately hitting at the sword’s tip, middle and hilt, each arrow carrying an immense force. The last arrow caused Samuel’s grip to loosen. Coupled with the momentum created by the previous two arrows, the sword flew out of Samuel’s grasp as it spun through the air before lodging itself on the ground.

Recovering from the shock, Samuel turned to face Diego. However, the boy was no longer there.

Just as the thought of turning his head around crossed Samuel’s mind, a cold edge pressed against his neck, starting him. His hand reached out, only to find an arrow pressing against his neck. He tried to take a hold of and swat it away, all to no avail, as if the arrow grew out of his neck and would stay as is through wind and rain.

Reaching beyond the tip, Samuel felt a small hand full of calluses. Turning his head to look, he saw Diego flashing him a smile of victory, which made him both admire the boy, as well as feel a sense of rivalry.

“How did you do it?” Samuel asked.

“Young one, the world is vast.” Diego said, trying to look solemn. However, the grin on his face betrayed his intention. “You should know it’s rude to ask about how others practice. As for this, I’ll do you a favour and tell you that my arrows are blunt at tip and my bow is very heavy.

“Still, I didn’t expect you to be this weak. It’s like you know nothing about fighting. Master told me that Lady Aria taught you some basics, but it seems…”

“She didn’t teach me much swordplay after dad fell ill and before that, I was too young to learn and understand any of it. As for magic, she only taught me theory and guided me in meditation. Same with Ki arts. As for some actual experience, I… I admit I am lacking in it. Mom is busy taking care of dad and also has a weak constitution. She can’t stay in the sun for long.”

Diego rubbed his chin before shrugging. “No wonder they sent you here. That old man and my idiot master will teach you good. When I return, let’s have another fight. What do you say?”

“A change in personality when fighting, huh? You finally grew a brain.” Samuel nodded.

“What did you just say?” Diego asked.

“Uh… I mean, you aren’t as bad as I thought you’d be. Though you can be rude sometimes.” Samuel finished with a laugh.

“Huh? Sorry about that.” Diego scratched his head. “I rarely talk to people other than my parents, master and high-priest. Here, get up.”

“Wait a second, you’re leaving? To where?” Samuel asked after a sudden realisation.

Diego shook his head. “Can’t say.”

“Alright…” Samuel rubbed his chin. “Instead, tell me this. You aren’t from this area, right? Your name, it doesn’t match the naming scheme of the people here.”

Diego turned silent before saying, “Let’s go. Our conflict is resolved and I have to leave. I better hurry.”

Seeing Diego dodge the question, Samuel tactfully suppressed his curiosity and followed obediently. On the way, he wanted to ask many other questions, but in the end, sighed and stayed silent.

After reaching back into the house, Diego said his farewells and left in a hurry.

Seeing the boy leave, Samuel felt a touch of sadness. But before he could dwell on it any further, Yuan Mo patted his shoulder.

“Young one, prepare yourself. We will start with your training in forty minutes sharp. Not a second later.”